6 Skills Seniors Can Learn Online

The internet is a wonderful tool that is open and accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, race, age, etc. While the internet is often considered something only used by tech-savvy youngsters, there’s no reason why older individuals cannot enjoy the same benefits.

The reality is that anything you’ve ever wanted to try can be learned online. If you are a senior looking to broaden your horizon and increase your skill set, here are some fun things you can learn online, right now:

1. Learn to play an instrument – Perhaps you already have an upright piano in your home collecting dust. Why not put it to use? There are many different online classes that offer lessons for aspiring musicians. Many use different teaching styles and methods, so if one doesn’t work, there are five more you can try that are a click away. The internet offers more than just piano lessons. Guitar, ukulele, violin, harp — anything that catches your fancy can be found online, with step-by-step videos to guide you through the basics.

2. Become a master at drawing – Everyone has picked up a pencil at some point and attempted to draw something, but what if you pursued this skill just a little further? Luckily, there are a plethora of drawing courses online for all levels to give you a chance to learn how to draw in a variety of styles and subjects. Of course, there are plenty of free options to choose as well, so the only cost is the pencil and paper.

3. Learn a new language – It’s never too late to learn a new language, and thanks to recent advances in technology, it’s becoming easier for people from all walks of life to give it a try. Recently, there has been an uptick in mobile apps that allow people to learn any language of their choosing. These interactive apps use games and activities to engage second-language learners and give them a comprehensive crash course in learning a new language. This would be a great skill to learn with a friend so you can practice speaking with another person as you both learn the language.

4. Train your dog – If you already have a canine companion in your life, another great skill you might enjoy learning is how to train your dog to do new tricks. Several online courses will take you through the best techniques to train your dog to complete a whole range of tasks. Useful in so many situations, “sit” is often the first command dogs learn. In fact, most dogs “sit” on their own, so all you have to do is connect the command to the behavior. Once you master this trick, who knows what else your dog might be able to learn? Rover.com offers a helpful guide on skills to teach your dog.

5. Get into yoga – Want to learn a new skill that also improves your physical and mental health? Yoga has been an increasingly popular pastime for people of all ages. The variations of intensity and the ability to adapt workouts to fit your personal skill level, make yoga a great activity to learn on your own or with others. With easy-to-follow instructional videos online, you can turn any room into your own professional yoga studio.

6. Try your hand at knitting – Any skill that lets you work with your hands is a valuable one. Knitting is a fun activity that, once you get the hang of, is a great way to pass the time and relax the mind. Best of all, once you tie the final threads, you will have created something you or someone you love can wear and cherish. Thanks to the internet, you can try your hand at learning more and more advanced knits, and with so many options online, there’s really no limit to what you can craft.

So, what are you waiting for? These are just a few skills you can learn simply by searching online. If any of these passions speak to you, give them a try. If there’s something you don’t see here but always wanted to try, go ahead and search the internet. Chances are, you’ll find just what you’re looking for!

By Karen Weeks

Photo Credit: Pixabay